American Idol – Break Up to Make Up Predictions

Ok so this theme only bothers me because there are only 4 contestants left (and because Candace Glover isn’t on the show this year – that girl can kill a Break-Up song).

I love break-up songs. The thing is, it’s one of those times when (for me at least), you’ve just broken up with someone and your life feels a little like this

mixed with a little of this…

and finally, a little of this…

The thing here is, no one knows your pain. The only thing that knows your pain is your ipod, on shuffle, going through the songs that just get you right now. That’s how I always feel (even though I’ve never been broken up with since the invention of ipods… I’m just that old. haha). For me it was more a mix tape, recorded from the radio. But no matter how you slice it, listening to music just makes sense when you’re upset that love has abandoned you. Make-ups though? I don’t even think that’s a genre really, is it? I mean, I know there are songs begging for people to come back, and songs about being on love, but do people really write songs about getting back together? I dunno…

While compiling my list of songs I think everyone should sing, I basically just looked at other peoples suggestions as far as make up songs, and they were mostly just love songs, mixed with a few songs about begging people to get back together and/or not break up. So, that’s kind of what I went with, but I’m much more passionate about the break up songs. It’s just nature. So without further adieu, here’s my list of what I’d like to see sung this week… something tells me I won’t be as accurate this time around.

Also for the record, I knew the exact lyrics I wanted to talk about for EACH break-up song, because I’m pathetic. And a romantic, all rolled into one 🙂

Alex Preston

Break-Up Songs: I’m not gonna lie, I had to narrow this down from like, 15 potential choices. I narrowed it down to 4 (you’re welcome) and that’ll have to do because really, Alex has the perfect “break-up song voice” for me. His angst is EXACTLY what I want to listen to when I’m moping.

Tiny Vessels by Deathcab For Cutie

Lyric: And tiny vessels oozed into your neck and formed the bruises that you said you didn’t want to fade, but they did and so did I that day…..

This is a song about a guy who doesn’t love a girl like he thinks he maybe should love her. It’s definitely about a girl that loves the guy more. Which I mean, if you’re a girl broken up with by a guy, that was probably the situation.

This is basically my top choice because I’m hell bent on getting a Deathcab song on TV. I know it won’t happen, and I know Ben Gibbard is probably totally fine with that.

Come Pick Me Up by Ryan Adams

Lyrics: Nothing specific but this is kind of about a guy who broke up with a girl and wishes her back, even though his friends think she’s bad news… my favorite lyric (and illustration of said lyric) is from this lovely lyric video:

A guy I was dating actually put this song on a CD that he made for me saying it reminded him of me, and I kind of hated the song (I still kind of hate Ryan Adams)… then we broke up and I liked the song so much more… weird how things work.

Nobody Knows by the Tony Rich Project

Lyrics: Like a clown I put on a show, the pain is real even if nobody knows, and I’m crying inside and nobody knows it but me.

Talk about the quintessential break up song! I mean look at those lyrics! Every lyric is break-up perfection.

Cry Me A River by Justin Timberlake

Lyrics: Girl I refuse you must have me confused with some other guy. Bridges are burned, now it your turn to CRY! CRY ME A RIVER!

Oh the angst that happens when Brit Brit breaks your heart. I could also kind of see Jena singing this one for some reason. But it has a falsetto that Justin shines at, that I think Alex would sing wonderfully. Especially with his hipster guitar!

Caleb Johnson

Caleb is pretty much the opposite of the angsty break up song that I love and desire when in such a position, however, he does have the voice of the empowered post-break up strength you eventually get when you’re like “that’s it, I’m done. And I’m gonna be so much better now!”

Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler

This is the only song I have for Caleb because I’m that dedicated to it as my choice. I know it’s a duet but I also know that Caleb can totally pull it off. Also, it wouldn’t hurt if he could do it Dan Band style 🙂

End of the Road by Boyz II Men

Lyrics: Just read all the lyrics. It’s the whole song. And who doesn’t know all the words anyway? I mean, well, if you’re a girl, anywhere from age 28-40, I think you know all the words, right?

Ok I know I said only one but this one just came to me while looking up some stuff on youtube. The reason I think this would be great is because I just think it would be a good chance to redeem himself for that disaster of a slow song last week. Do I think he could do it? No. Do I think he will do this? Also no. However, it could be great if he were able to pull it off!

Jena Irene

Jena was also a little tough to pick for. She just isn’t my genre. Actually, none of the contestants were except Alex. This is definitely Alex’ week to shine! But I digress. And I have a few suggestions!

Back to Black by Amy Winehouse

Lyrics: We only said goodbye with words. I died a hundred times. You go back to her, and I go back to us.

Ok so yes, I’ve wanted Jena to sing some Amy for a minute now. But this is a great song. A great break-up song, and it would fit Jena’s voice so well. It’s definitely the female angst which is fine (though not really comparable to the guy angst that I tend to swing towards for a good break up song)

Unbreak My Heart by Toni Braxton

This would be kind of a shock for Jena to sing and I really don’t expect her to sing it, but it’s a great break up song (again, where’s Candace when you need her?). I know the video shows that the BF just died, but if you look at the lyrics, it’s definitely a break-up worthy song. “Bring back those nights where I held you beside me! Unbreak my heart, say you’ll love me again, undo this hurt you caused when you walked out the door and walked out of my life” I mean, really.

Jessica Meuse

Ok so for some reason, while again, she’s not my voice for break-ups, I did think of a lot of break up songs that would suit Jessica! Second only to Alex. So, here’s my list for Jessica:

You Oughtta Know by Alanis Morrisette

Lyrics: All of them!

I mean come on. This is like, Jess HAS to sing this! This is the EPITOME of a break up song! A revenge break up song, no less. If Jess doesn’t sing this, I’ll be disappointed. That’s all I’ll say.

Nothing Compares to You by Sinead O’Connor

Lyrics: It’s been 7 hours and 16 days, since you took your love away. I go out every night and sleep all day, since you took your love away…

And doesn’t Sinead just look heart broken in the video? As long as you’re not watching the version from SNL anyway. haha. I could just see this song with kind of a rock/country vibe behind it. Little guitar mixed in. It could be good.

Torn by Natalie Imbruglia

Lyrics: Nothings fine I’m torn. I’m all out of faith, this is how I feel, I’m cold and I am shamed lying naked on the floor. Illusion never changed, into something real…

I just love this song. It’s definitely a fantastic break up song, and it’s kind of pop-y which I think would be nice to see Jessica kind of delve into. I also think she needs more of an empowering break up song than a sad one.

Make-Up Songs

As for Make-Up Songs, I’ll just cover them quickly because it’s not the category I really care about…